What’s New in the 2019 Federal Cloud Computing Strategy?
In 2011, the United States government launched the Federal Cloud Computing Strategy to shift their computing operations to the cloud. Since then, cloud computing has evolved, and the government has updated their strategy to maximize the potential of the technology even further. In 2019, the Federal Government released a new Cloud Smart Strategy, which focuses on modernizing the government’s information technology infrastructure in a more strategic and efficient way. In this article, we will explore the latest changes in the 2019 Federal Cloud Computing Strategy.
New Priorities and Objectives
The new Cloud Smart Strategy prioritizes the security, resiliency, and flexibility of cloud computing in the federal government. This updated strategy highlights the importance of applying a risk-based approach to cybersecurity and emphasizes that security must be an integral part of cloud service adoption, management, and operations. The government acknowledges that a “one-size-fits-all” approach does not work, and recognizes the importance of a tailored, risk-informed solution for each agency.
Furthermore, the Cloud Smart Strategy recognizes that technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain have the potential to revolutionize federal operations. The government aims to leverage these technologies, where appropriate, to improve government services and increase efficiency.
New Guidelines for Cloud Service Providers
The new Cloud Smart Strategy focuses on standardizing the use of cloud services across the federal government. The government wants to ensure that agencies choose the right cloud provider for their needs, adhere to best practices, and consistently and effectively manage their cloud services. The strategy aims to establish common security practices and criteria, to make it easier to compare cloud service providers and the security controls they offer.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has also mandated that cloud service providers must comply with government security requirements, standards, and guidelines. They must also report to the government any data breaches or security incidents that occur. These new guidelines ensure that cloud service providers meet the strict security and compliance requirements of the federal government.
New Ways of Cloud Service Acquisition
The Cloud Smart Strategy aims to streamline the process for Federal agencies to acquire cloud services. The Government aims to provide a more flexible acquisition process that allows agencies to quickly acquire cloud services while still maintaining compliance with their security requirements and regulations.
One of the new approaches to cloud acquisition is the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). FedRAMP is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach for the authorization of cloud services. FedRAMP provides a baseline level of security controls for cloud services that have been authorized for use by the federal government, which makes the process of authorization more efficient for cloud service providers looking to serve the federal government.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2019 Federal Cloud Computing Strategy is a big step towards modernizing the federal government’s IT infrastructure, and maximizing the benefits of cloud computing. The government recognizes the importance of security and compliance, and is taking a tailored approach to ensure that the adoption of cloud services aligns with the risk management of each agency. With these new guidelines, the Federal Government aims to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve the needs of the American people.
